Regret in Irish (Aithreachas): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for regret?

The Irish for regret is aithreachas (pronounced “AH-hruh-khus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean repentance.

Q: Does aithreachas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Aithreachas can mean regret or repentance, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “regret” in Irish

Irish:: aithreachas
English:: regret, repentance
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “AH-hruh-khus” /ˈahəɾʲəxəsˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: aithreachais, an aithreachais (e.g. mothúchán aithreachais, a feeling of regret)

What does “aithreachas” mean?

“Aithreachas” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

regret: A feeling of being sorry about something you did or failed to do.Also: remorse, sorrow.

1 other meaning: repentance

2repentance: Sorrow for wrongdoing or sin, especially in a religious sense.Also: penitence, contrition.

Other Irish words for regret: aiféala (regret)

“Aithreachas” with the article

Here is aithreachas after the article (an t-alt).

an t-aithreachas

the regret

Masculine nouns take t before a vowel after an

“Aithreachas” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using aithreachas, the Irish word for regret.

Tá aithreachas orm faoin méid a dúirt mé.

I regret what I said.

Ní raibh aon aithreachas air ina dhiaidh.

He had no regrets afterwards.

Beidh aithreachas ort mura dtagann tú.

You'll be sorry if you don't come.

Bhí an t-aithreachas le feiceáil ina súile.

The regret was visible in her eyes.

Ghabh tonn aithreachais í nuair a d'imigh sé.

A wave of regret came over her when he left.

Is mór m'aithreachas nár scríobh mé chuici.

I deeply regret that I didn't write to her.

Tháinig aithreachas air i ndeireadh a shaoil.

He repented at the end of his life.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Regret in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for regret?

The Irish for regret is aithreachas (pronounced “AH-hruh-khus”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean repentance.

How do you pronounce aithreachas in Irish?

Aithreachas is said like “AH-hruh-khus” (IPA /ˈahəɾʲəxəsˠ/).

Does aithreachas have a plural?

No plural form is given for aithreachas in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does aithreachas have more than one meaning?

Yes. Aithreachas can mean regret or repentance, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does aithreachas sometimes have a t or h in front of it?

Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an t-aithreachas (the regret), a haithreachas (her regret), a n-aithreachas (their regret).

How do I say 'I regret it' with aithreachas?

Use the preposition ar: 'Tá aithreachas orm', literally 'regret is on me'.

What is the difference between aithreachas and aiféala?

Both mean regret; aiféala is very common for everyday regret, while aithreachas can also carry the religious sense of repentance.

Regret in Irish (Aithreachas): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage